Non-Fiction Pick: Beastly Brains: Exploring How Animals Think, Talk, and Feel

Beastly Brains: Exploring How Animals Think, Talk and Feel
by Nancy F. Castaldo
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
2017
152 pages
ISBN: 9780544633353

Beastly Brains  is a must-have for young scientists, animal behaviorists, and animal lovers. Scientists have  hought crows were smart for a long time, but this book proves other species can think, learn and remember. Dolphins have a language of their own and use "signature whistles" their entire lives. They recognize each other by the whistle even if it's been years since they have seen one another.

Did you know that your dog can feel jealousy? Of course you did! Well, science is now backing you up. Apes and monkeys are studied often. Scientists have learned that apes like to gamble and they show emotion if they lose. many animals use tools including monkeys, dolphins and crows.

Beastly Brains is a must buy for animal behavior sections.

Recommended grade 6-up.

FTC Required Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. I did not receive monetary compensation for this review.

Bedtime Pick: Putting the Monkeys To Bed

Putting the Monkeys To Bed
by Gennifer Choldenko
Illustrations by Jack E. Davis
G.P. Putnam's Sons
2015
32 pages
ISBN: 9780399246234


Hilarious, warm, and comforting with a bit of silliness and sass, Putting the Monkeys To Bed is a sweet story of how one boy is finally  able to calm himself and his "monkeys" down for the night.

Sam is unhappy about having to go to sleep. He still has a million questions and wants his mom to come in and answer them. He would like another story, but Mom is adamant. She tells Sam to go to sleep and that she will answer his questions in the morning. She tells Sam to practice his breathing--deep, calming breaths. Sam's monkeys have other ideas and soon make the breathing part of a happy monkey song. When Sam decides to "read" his favorite book---one that he knows by heart--the monkeys cuddle up closer and soon all are  fast asleep. Never doubt the power of a book! If a book  can calm Sam and his monkeys, it is powerful indeed!

This is a cute read  for all those little ones who positively hate bedtime and will use any excuse to stay awake. When the deep, calming breaths don't help, a story will.

Highly recommended pre-school.

FTC Required Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. I did not receive monetary compensation for this review.

This review has been posted in compliance with the FTC requirements set forth in the Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (available at ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)

Picture Book Pick: Where's My Homework?

Where's My Homework?
by Michael Garland
Illustrations by the author
Cartwheel Books
2014
32 pages
ISBN: 9780545436557

Michael Garland takes the oldest homework excuse/joke in the book and makes it funny again. When a young boy can't find his homework, he asks his sister if she's seen it. She says that maybe he didn't do it at all, but he knows he completed it but now he can't find it. He looks everywhere with the help of his faithful family dog.

After a search, he comes up with implausible excuses like maybe pirates plundered his homework or Martians could have abducted it. When he realizes his beloved dog Frumpy has actually eaten it, he does what any kid in his shoes would do! He takes the dog to school to explain to his teacher that his dog ate his homework. The teacher is unlikely to believe this old story, but Frumpy saves the day!

This is a silly, feel good book for kids with a sense of humor. Brilliant illustrations jump off each page. This color drenched picture book is astounding. I loved the oversize boy and dog on the back cover. Frumpy the dog is as loveable as he is adorable. I must say I've never seen a neater child's room. There is no clutter, no clothes on the floor, no toys, no books, only a notebook on the desk.

Highly recommended for young readers. This would be a fun read for pre-K and Kindergarten students who are just getting an idea of what school is all about and will be doing homework soon.

FTC Required Disclaimer: I received the F & G from the publisher. I did not receive monetary compensation for this review.

This review has been posted in compliance with the FTC requirements set forth in the Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (available at ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)